Ten volumes of an encyclopaedia on Saivism are being released by Saint Saekkizhar Human Resource Development Charitable Trust on May 12, 10 a.m., at Sir Pitti Tyagaraja Hall, G.N. Chetty Road, T. Nagar. The mammoth work is a document on the illustrious journey of Saivism in the past 5,000 years. The emergence and growth of Saiviasm across the country, in Asia and beyond are discussed in the volumes.
The encyclopaedia is the result of research and coordination spanning six years and includes 22,000 major titles and 50,000 subtitles. The mammoth project was handled by a 50-member advisory committee comprising multi-disciplinary Saivite scholars and an editorial team of 220 Tamil Saivite scholars. The team was led by chief editor and publisher Prof. Dr. R. Selvaganapathy, renowned scholar.
The ten volumes, each of 650-895 pages, deal with the antiquity of Saivism, its reach, shrines, content of innumerable works, hymns, saints, etc, supported by thousands of colour photographs and visuals. The Trust thanks a host of mentors including Mahavidwan Meenakshisundaram Pillai, U.Ve.Sa and Kundrakudi Adigalar.
Acknowledging the financial contribution of many devotees, the Trust solicits funds for the nearly one-crore project. The ten volumes have been priced at Rs. 15,000 and those abroad can have copies after sending in $U.S. 500. Cheques and DDs should be in favour of Saint Sekkizhar Pathippagam. Cash can be deposited at State Bank of India, Besant Nagar, Chennai-600090. Current A/C No: 32681146572, Branch IFS Code No. SBIN 0003274.
The Trust can be contacted at H-15/2, Karikalan Street, Kalalshetra Colony, Besant Nagar, Chennai – 600090. Phone: 0091-44-24916888 and 9444021113 and 9840495653. email: nayanmar_63@yahoo.co.in. Websites: www.nayanmar.com, www.periyapuranam.com and www.saivam.co.in.
At the function on Sunday, the Tamil Nadu Governor, Dr. K. Rosaiah, will release the first volume and deliver the key-note address. Industrialist and philanthropist N. Mahalingam will receive the first copy. The other volumes will be released by the heads of various Saiva Maths. Felicitations and lectures will follow.
